U.S. Soldier Accused of Betting on Classified Information — Trump Criticizes Prediction Platforms

^{Pictured: Donald Trump}

U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not support the concept of prediction markets, commenting on a case involving a U.S. serviceman accused of using classified information for betting, the New York Post reported.

The case concerns U.S. Army Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyk, whose arrest was reported on April 23. According to prosecutors, he used classified information about a military operation to place bets on the Polymarket platform.

Authorities said the serviceman was involved in planning and executing a special forces raid on January 3, 2026, in Caracas, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was detained.

Van Dyk had access to classified details about the timing and scope of the operation. Between late December 2025 and January 2, 2026, he placed a series of bets linked to U.S. military activity in Venezuela and the possible removal of Maduro, wagering a total of $33,000. Prosecutors said he generated approximately $409,000 in profit.

Investigators allege Van Dyk attempted to conceal his actions by using a VPN to register his account, withdrawing funds in cryptocurrency, and transferring them to third-party accounts.

He has been charged with wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 60 years in prison.

Polymarket said it cooperated with the investigation and has tightened its rules to prevent insider trading. The company added that such activity is unacceptable and that the case was identified through its monitoring systems.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he was concerned about the potential misuse of insider information on such platforms. “The whole world has, unfortunately, become something like a casino,” he said, adding that he had “never liked the idea” of such services, even as they continue to grow.

Gambling Park previously reported that Trump posted an image featuring the Stake logo while the platform lacks a U.S. licence.